Trump's Greenland Ambitions: A National Security Perspective

Thu Jan 08 2026 02:58:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Donald Trump's repeated expressions of interest in annexing Greenland raise significant geopolitical and diplomatic questions as backlash from Denmark intensifies.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in annexing Greenland, arguing its strategic location is vital for national security. Denmark's Prime Minister, however, has dismissed Trump's threats, emphasizing that Greenland is an integral part of Denmark, and any discussion about its future must respect international law. This contentious exchange highlights underlying issues of territorial integrity and the delicate balance of power amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Donald Trump has again proposed annexing Greenland, after Denmark's leader urged him to 'stop the threats' over the island.

Speaking to reporters, the US president stated, 'we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security.'

Trump has previously raised the prospect of the semi-autonomous Danish territory becoming an annexed part of the US, citing its strategic location for defense purposes and mineral wealth.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen responded, saying 'that's enough now' and described the notion of US control over the island as a 'fantasy.'

He said: 'No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation. We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law.'

Earlier, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had affirmed, 'the US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom.'

Frederiksen added that Denmark 'and thus Greenland' is a NATO member, covered by the alliance's security guarantee, reiterating that a defense agreement granting the US access to the island already exists.

The Danish Prime Minister's comments followed a statement made by Katie Miller, wife of Trump’s aide Stephen Miller, who posted a map of Greenland in American flag colors with the word 'SOON.'

The Danish ambassador to the US responded, saying the two countries are allies and calling for mutual respect for territorial integrity.

This back-and-forth about Greenland comes amid recent military operations the US undertook against Venezuela, which some analysts cite as part of a broader strategy that may include aggressive territorial claims in the Arctic region.

Greenland has had extensive self-government since 1979, yet defense and foreign policy remain under Danish jurisdiction. Despite a popular desire for independence among Greenlanders, most oppose the idea of becoming part of the US.

In comments to the BBC, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the territory's fate, underlining the importance of respecting the self-determination of the Greenlandic people.

Separately, the EU spokesperson rejected Trump's assertion that the EU 'needs' US control over Greenland, asserting that this is 'certainly not' the EU's position.